Seven Australian rugby league players have threatened to skip work because they are so unhappy about a new rainbow shirt.
Yesterday morning, the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles introduced the strip, claiming it supported “inclusivity and diversity.”
But after certain players objected to wearing it on “religious and cultural grounds,” club executives were compelled to call a crisis meeting a few hours later.
They alleged that they were not consulted before the decision was made, and the argument has now grown into a major national controversy.
The players will not play on Thursday, and we accept their decision, Manly coach Des Hasler said today.
Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula, and Toafofoa Sipley have been identified locally as the players that are boycotting.
The Sydney Roosters, who are even on points with Manly and one spot above them in the NRL standings, are playing Manly, who is presently ninth.
There are six games left in the regular season, and only the top eight teams will progress to the league playoffs, therefore the Sea Eagle’s success is crucial.
